Bears coach Smith "hopeful" Forte can return next week

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeSeptember 24, 2012

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith told WBBM radio Monday that the team is "hopeful" that injured running back Matt Forte can play Oct. 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN Chicago. Forte has missed one game since injuring his right ankle Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers. He missed Sunday's 23-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams that improved Chicago to 2-1 for the season. "He made a lot of progress last week, and we have an extra day also so that should help," Smith told the radio station. "We're just hopeful that he'll be able to go. If not, our running backs, not only Michael Bush, but Kahlil Bell and Armando Allen all did a good job. But we hope we'll get our stud running back back." Bush led the Bears in rushing with 55 yards on 18 carries, including a touchdown. Bell had just 20 yards on 10 carries. Allen had only one rush for two yards.